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Ford GT Line-up Ready to take on 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours

The Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team looks to repeat as victors

In the sports car racing world, the Le Mans 24 Hours is the top of the mountain. Sure, there are other prestigious endurance races, and you know them all, but Le Mans is still the race everyone wants to win. It’s where the original Ford GT40 beat Ferrari at its own game in 1966, and again in 1967, 1968, and 1969. For 2017, Ford is hoping to repeat the history made by Dan Gurney and AJ Foyt won the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1967.

“When we came to Le Mans last year there was a lot of pressure on the team to deliver a win to commemorate the Ford GT40 1-2-3 finish in 1966,” said Raj Nair, executive vice president of Global Product Development and chief technical officer, Ford Motor Company. “It was fantastic to win but we will not rest on our laurels. We return to Le Mans in June with another year of experience racing the Ford GT behind us, seven wins including the 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours and the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona, and we can’t wait to compete again at this incredible event.”

The Ford Chip Ganassi team is made up of four Ford GTs, fittingly numbered 66, 67, 68, and 69, and the #68 team of Joey Hand, Dirk Muller, and Sebastien Bourdais will be looking to repeat as Le Mans 24 Hours winners. The #68 team has already tasted victory this year by winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January.

“We are really looking forward to getting back to Le Mans with the Ford GT this year,” said Chip Ganassi, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team owner. “Although we came home with the win last year, I think we also learned a great deal about that race, the Ford GT and what it takes to compete for the win. I feel like we will be even better prepared this time around. In addition, we will also once again take four cars and 12 of the best racing drivers in the world so I can’t wait to get back there and defend our title.”